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One of the greatest problems in the developing countries today is lack of education which leaves young people vulnerable to exploitation, radical religious extremism, inability to obtain good jobs and very importantly, inability to participate intelligently in a stable democratic government.

 

Belize is a small country in Central America of about 280,000 people about the size of Massachusetts, located east of Guatemala and south of Mexico. It was formerly known as British Honduras. The country obtained its independence on September 21, 1981. It is stable and democratic, but very poor and struggling.

 

There is still a lack of infrastructure. Electricity is imported from Mexico and is very expensive (homes do not have hot water), and the literacy rate is estimated at 50-60%. There are only two main paved roads through the country. Many children complete 8 years of primary education but 40% do not go on to high school due to cost, unstable family conditions, access to schools, etc.

 

Students must pay for tuition, books, uniforms, transportation, etc. There aren’t enough high schools in the country if all were able to attend although the government is working on the problem. It is, of course, a question of funds.

 

In the early 1980’s, Michigan’s World Gardening Chairman was put in touch with a very active woman in Belize. She was helping in the formation of the new government and in the welfare of the people. They set two goals:

 

             1) End slash and burn practice

             2) Furnish hand tools and seeds and books for the libraries.

 

Melon seeds suitable for the climate were sent and this woman’s husband distributed them by boat because of the lack of roads at that time. This woman later visited Michigan and attended workshops at Michigan State University.

 

In 1984 Michigan began to work through Michigan State University’s 4-H International Youth Foundation and we gave one $200 high school scholarship and $100 for seeds and tools. Scholarships have increased to ten plus $400 for seeds and tools.

 

Michigan State University’s 4-H International Youth Foundation sponsors clubs in many foreign countries and has become active in Belize. A few years ago the Belizean government built a 4-H center just outside of Belmopan, the capital. It included a dormitory for about 50 boys and girls, kitchen, dining room and classroom and land for students to have garden plots and farm animals.

 

Agriculture is an important occupation in the country and many high schools teach it and have garden space and animals. In January 2002 the dormitory burned down and the classroom became a dormitory and the dining room, the classroom. A new building is desperately needed.

 

This center has a different and important function. It serves as a bridge between primary and high school. Students who have dropped out of school after primary are recruited to the center, which offers a regular ten-month school year of core and elective subjects. Core subjects include agriculture, personal development, communication skills and small business practice. Elective courses may be food preparation and processing, building technology and on the job training experience.

 

About 50% of the students enter the job market and most of the rest go on to high school in their home areas. The center’s director chooses our scholarship recipients from this group who complete a year at the center and return home to complete their high school education. They are very worthy and grateful for our scholarships. To quote the National Garden Club’s International World Gardening chairman in 2000, Renee Blaschke, “The basic philosophy is of teaching and helping cultures to improve their standard of living. Contributions of money for equipment, seeds and tools plus information have shown the concern of Garden Clubs for people all over the world in improving their lives with hope and help.” 

 

Contact: Chris Rochman, 4806 Holly Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-9448; 734-426-5736 rubyaa@comcast.net